Winter,Christmas, & Last Kiln Load!

We have been getting quite a bit of snow up here! I really don't mind the snow, just hate when it's too cold to enjoy the snow. Snow brightens up the day, and always puts a smile on my face when I look out into my backyard and see that winter wonderland. We are surrounded by one of the most naturally beautiful areas in Ontario. I'm lucky to live on two acres of land, and have a five minute drive to work, and a 35 minute drive to our summer cottage on Lake Superior. I wouldn't trade it for the world! I do have an appreciation for our four seasons, and I have learned that one needs to enjoy each one in some way or form. Just need to embrace the uncontrolable!... Look how much fun he's having?! ;)

I was finally able to do one last firing before Christmas. It is definitely cutting it close for those few Christmas gifts in there! It was a decent firing, with pretty much what I was hoping for. Here is a couple of pics of some pieces. I tested out a new satin black, with a dip of creme on the tip, I see some potential with that combo. Looking forward to trying it with some other glazes. When time permits I'll post a YouTube video of my last two loads with better photos.

I would like to take the time in wishing 

everyone near and far a very 

Merry Christmas and all the best in 2014!!!

The Struggle with $$$$$!

This was something I came across a couple of years ago when I was surfing the web for some advise on pricing pottery.   This is an on going battle for me, and I believe when starting off, it is something that everyone struggles with.  I'm finally getting a grasp on it, but on occasion I still have my doubts.  I thought I'd share some words of wisdom from someone who has experience in the life of being a potter.  I believe she makes some valid points and has helped me understand, hopefully it will shed some light on others who are struggling. Enjoy!

random thoughts on pricing and making a living

Ellen Currans on thu 29 jul 10

Just my opinion and it applies only to functional pottery I know very little about ceramic art or sculpture. Pricing is local. The same mug by the same potter can be sold for more money in some places than it can in others: big, more sophisticated cities versus small towns; college connected, long running craft fairs versus Saturday markets; in a highly regarded gallery versus your own back yard sale. Work by a well known potter will sell for more than very similar work by new potters. It takes time to be known and for your work to have a following. Mugs sell themselves once you have learned  how to make a good one that people love and simply must have for every cup of coffee, even when it is in the dishwasher. Selling well has a lot to do with making pots people want to buy.  (Just think about that for awhile.) In tough times they have to REALLY want to buy, and usually they want something they need or can really use, or that lifts their spirits in some undefinable way.

You are not obligated to price your work to support the prices other potters may be asking. If you are a beginner your work probably isn't worth the higher price anyway. Perhaps their $40 mugs aren't worth $40 either. Be a bit humble in pricing at the beginning and raise your prices as your work justifies it. It is really hard to lower prices on the same work when the public has become accustomed to certain price points. Earlier purchasers will feel cheated, and others will wonder why you are underselling your own work. 

Making lots of (well thought out) pots and selling them is the key to making better and better pots. There is nothing wrong with selling beginning work to people who want to buy it. We do not live in a society that supports us while we break up everything we make for years and years. Keep working on your skills so that you become the potter who can easily make many pots efficiently and quickly..., rather than just the few we all hover over as beginners. Very few potters make big money or become famous, but many have managed to make a good life. Expect to live carefully and frugally. Appreciate spouses, partners, friends and family who support what you are doing. Learn as much as you can from those with skills to teach you because the more you can do for yourself the less money you will need to pay out for services.

Older potters are not looking down on beginners when they give advice about making your own clay and glazes, or learning to weld. They are sharing with you hard won information that has made it possible for them to succeed. We are all free to go about our clay life as we wish. Make our own or buy glazes, stop for a $3.50 latte every morning or make leaf tea, dig our own clay or never recycle ready made. It is our choice. We get to choose the parts we like and ignore the rest, and perhaps we succeed...... or not.

Potting part time does not mean you are not a serious or good potter. Starting late in life does not mean you are not a serious or good potter. Using low fire glazes in an electric kiln does not mean you are not a serious or good potter. The size and beauty of your studio (closet, garagio, where ever you work) does not mean you are a good or poor potter--we all start where we can.  Firing in the more esoteric kilns or having your work in the magazines does not necessarily mean you are a serious or good potter, nor do the degrees behind your name. Eventually, the work speaks for itself.  Most of us have missed some part of the necessary education for being a potter. Hopefully, not as badly as the art teacher Logan

has been asked to help. It is up to us to learn what we need to know to succeed. I am appalled at how many potters do not bother to read books or magazines and keep them around to refer back to.

The wealth of information available to us is mind boggling. All the glazes and techniques and firing schedules and tools to make are available in abundance. Skip a few high priced workshops and buy books. The more you know about the craft the better able you will be to survive tough times. Many good potters who were setting the rules for show or guild entries some years back, are now doing something else because they could not adapt their way of working or selling to make enough money to live on.

Ellen Currans

Working in clay for over 50 years through all the stages of novice, part-time, workshop junkie, wheel in the kitchen corner, lugging pots and kids to fairs for many years, easing my studio into a bigger and better space from time to time, selling comfortably and then selling all I can make, and now trying to scale back my work to adjust to some kind of semi-retirement at 77. But not quitting. There is always something new to learn. 

Last Show

This past Saturday I was in a very large arts and crafts show.  It was a first time event at this location, and what a great surprise! I'm sure once the word is out in our small community it will become even larger.   I was able to get some amazing feedback from the community, and as always, it was great exposure. Having only been making pottery for four years now, it was quite intimidating being in a room with very experienced potters. Especially when you walk by their table and see the amount that they have on display. I have to remind myself that this is a hobby for me and most importantly, they are all retired and have the time!   Come to think of it, I'm probably one of the youngest potters in town! That's probably why my Mom (my little helper), is always mistaken as the potter! :) Overall, I think many people appreciated my work and many made a point in expressing their admiration in my style of pottery.  

I make a point in going into shows with very low expectations in sales, especially since there were a few other potters included.  This show surprisingly exceeded my expectations. That of course is always a good thing... Especially when it's time to pack things up at the end of a show!  A sure sign is when you are left with some empty boxes! ;)

I would also like to add that my Christmas ornaments were a big hit!  I've already confirmed a spot for next years show, so I'll be sure to add to my ornament collection! 

Here's a picture of my set up,  it was a small space, but I managed!

I made it!

Yes I did!   One last kiln firing before my next show! I will have to admit it was a good one!  I think I have found what may be my next favorite!  Like I have said before, I'm loving this buff clay I've been trying out. It gives the glazes a whole new dimension.  It's just... Yummy.  

This is it, Mayco Manganese Wash on the outside, Iron Red on the rim, then Gun Metal Green.  Wow!   Happy, happy!  Love the runs! It's funny because my eyes are drawn to these cups. I have them sitting on the counter and all I want to do is stare at them!   It definitely takes me to a happy place!  

Here are a few more pieces that I would like to share.  I used burlap for texture on the outside of this vase.  

This is another vase using cedar branches for texture. I added my signature piece of driftwood wrapped in place with copper.

These are my Christmas ornaments, I found this idea of the stars on Pinterest.  I joined the two cut out stars at the points and made it look more 3D.  I used Mayco washes on at least one side so that I could place the star directly on the shelf. Didn't want to bother with stilling all of them. I like them! Very country rustic I think. Hopefully they will go well at the sale. I just don't know what to charge!  That is a whole other topic, and something I struggle with!

So the show is this weekend, and I'm hoping I survive. Had to leave town unexpectedly, and won't be back until this Friday.  Although everything is ready to go, it still makes me really nervous! 

Hopefully my next blog, I'll be sharing my wonderful experience from this weekend! 

Until next time...Enjoy, whatever your day may bring you! :)

Lots of Bisque...

Woke up this morning to a nice blanket of fresh snow outside.  Although my yard looked like a beautiful winter wonderland... it's too early!!  

Anyways, just when I thought I wouldn't do anymore shows, I decided to do one more before Christmas. I was contacted to see if I was interested in going in, and was told that this is a first time event at this venue. I thought about it for awhile, and decided to enter. Why not... maybe sell what I have left from the last show! Apparently this event seems have exploded into a very BIG event with over 70 vendors. Sooooo.... what to do??? Make more pots of course! So, I have managed to pack another load of bisque, and it's glaze time! The event is on November 9th, so I should be able to get one glaze load in before then. So here are a couple of pics. You'll see some more of the buff clay pieces in the mix. I'll be using the Mayco wash on the exterior of those pieces, like I have in the past.  Since it seemed to be a big hit!  Next post will hopefully be me showing pics of my successful glaze firing! (Nothing wrong with being optimistic!)

Just for fun, here is a pic of my buddy in his new dog house! Yes... it's a converted wine barrel... and he absolutely loves it in there!   I have three words to share... I LOVE PINTEREST! :)   

The Show 2013

It has finally arrived... the big day I wait for all year.  It's the one and only big art show I participate in.  It's not because I wouldn't want to be in more.... I just don't have the inventory to be in more.  Since I do work, and this really only a hobby for me, I find being in one show is enough for me to produce sales, and to show case my work.  Would I like to be in more... of course!  But realistically, it would turn something I really enjoy and look forward to, into something stressful.  I really don't want to be doing that.  This is something I see myself doing for a very long time... I hope!  

Here are some photos of my work on display at the show.  This ladder shelf is something my Dad, thanks Dad! whipped up for me, since I was finding just setting up on tables was getting to be a little boring.  Found the pattern online and he managed to make it in two days.  Only thing wrong, is that I need to find a way to secure the boards down that is easy for removal.  Right now, any thing too heavy placed near the edge... well, lets say... teeter totter comes to mind.  

Here are a few more pictures of my tables. 

Overall the show was a big success! Although the sales were great, I find the feedback from visitors much more rewarding. It's their first reaction and the first words they say when they see my work... that's makes me want to create more. This is what I wait for all year, that feeling of accomplishment... knowing that what I've created was worth all the time and effort. Looking forward to getting my fingers back in the mud!!!  

Two Kiln Openings!

Only a short time away for my big art show, www.sylvancircle.ca which is coming up very quickly! I have two kiln openings to share, both of which I was very happy with. I do have some nice suprises. I was testing out some new clay, it's a buff clay. It was a little wierd since I've been using a smooth white for so long. Needless to say, I will definitely be getting more of it! I love the results of the buff clay, with Mayco's wash on the outside, and Mayco's Black Walnut on the inside. I couldn't be happier. I love the look, and have had great feedback on it. Here's a pic:

I also used Mayco's washes on the outside of this vase, with the Black Walnut on the inside, however this is on smooth white clay.

 Here are a few more pieces that I'd like to share. One is a completed pitcher that I had posted a while back when I was making it. Couldn't decide on how to glaze it, so it sat around for quite a while. Any questions on the glazes, I don't mind sharing. I have more pics of my pottery on my flickr page, http://www.flickr.com/photos/chinzy/
My next post, I will give a little tour of my display at the art show. Until then... happy potting! :)

Pendants to Necklaces to Chimes...

So as my summer life comes close to an end. I'd like to share some things I enjoy doing while out at the cottage on those not so nice days. The pictures are of the necklaces I make with the pendants and beads I have made. They are quite popular, even though I don't advertise them, it's more through word of mouth. I did have a few for sale during the art sale last fall on the local Sylvan Circle Tour.  I was quite surprised to have sold pretty much all of them. So, I continue to make them, as it is something to keep my hands busy, while at the same time using my creative juices... which don't like resting! I've included some pictures of my finished work. I like sticking with leather cords, and either copper or stainless steel wire.  Some of the beads are wooden or glass, I try to keep all the materials as natural as possible.

Something else I enjoy making are windchimes.  Yes, it never ends. 

Here is a picture of one that is completed, and I will hopefully sell at the art show. I collect driftwood off the shores of Lake Superior. Drill three evenly spaced holes along the top, and use copper wire to hold everything together. I have maple leaf cookie cutters of various sizes, which are used to make the chimes. They do make a pretty nice sound. So, I now need to get back to getting ready for my big show... will be posting my kiln openings very shortly.... Have some new pieces to share.... Christmas was early! :)

Art Gallery

I am very pleased to say that a few pieces of my work were successfully chosen to be on display at our local Art Gallery.  The last time I had art work (paintings) displayed there I was in high school.  I was pretty excited then, but I think I'm even more excited now!  I was also surprised to see that I am the only artist who works with clay within the exhibition. Being fairly new to the world of clay, this is definitely smething I'm proud of. This will be great exposure in my community, as well as tourists during the busy summer season. One of the requirements for the exhibition, was that the work represented or was inspired by Northern Ontario's natural beauty.     

Here is a link to their website with a short video of the art display.
http://www.artgalleryofalgoma.com/in-the-lobby.html 

These are the two pieces currently on display.

Trying something new...

I've read about it and I have seen a video showing this great new product from Mayco... Designer Liner! So I gave it a try... And Voila! 

I honestly didn't think the liner was going to show through my glazes.   I drew the flower with a pencil, then went over it with the liner. (Didn't go to crazy with the drawing as you can see, since I wasn't too sure!)  Also want to mention that it does take practice drawing with the liner. Then I painted the glazes in and black washed the corners that had texture.  Waited for everything to dry and applied clear glaze over the unglazed  areas.  I was definitely pleasantly surprised because this is what it looked like before....

Something fun to do...might start using my drawing skills a little more in the future!   Although...it will be awhile, since the summers are spent here a little more often !  :)

Praying to the kiln gods....

...did work!  We all know that feeling... The anticipation... That first glimps into the kiln! That sigh when everything is out, and there are no disasters on your kiln shelf.. and you have that big smile like you've won a prize! (People think you've lost your mind!)   Here's why I'm smiling today! :)

 

                                                                                                          

Now for some experiments with Mayco washes.... I will first discuss the wall tile. Variation between the glaze over the iron washed sections and the unwashed sections aren't quite as defined as I anticipated. I do know that the glazes I chose to use made that difference. I used Cinnabar and Pam's Blue.   I was trying to get the appearance of a sunset,  something I get to see quite frequently over Lake Superior at our summer cottage.  Transparent glaze would have done this piece more justice. I'm still pleased with it, and it is something I would do again, using different glazes. Here is a closeup of the completed tile...

 

 

Now I did try Manganese Wash as well.  Here are two pendants... the large one I applied the wash while it was greenware, then went over it with a clear after the bisque.   On the smaller one I applied the wash and the clear after bisque.  It looks like it doesn't really make a difference.  Your only advantage to applying at greenware would be not smudging the wash if you were brushing glaze over top.  I used burlap to make the impression on the large piece, and I used a self-made stamp to make the tree.  Next time I will try to not wash off as much as well. I appologize, for my pic.. it's a little blurry.

Now this was my wonderful surprise on the bottom shelf.  The piece had iron red under gun metal green along the top below the stamped pattern and the swirl, then creme only along the top below the stamped pattern on top of the gun metal green and iron red.  Very pleased!!! :). ...now back to glazing, I have another load to do! 

Trying out Mayco washes...

I really like the idea of using these washes for different things, ie. under/over other glazes, staining, etc.  so I really wanted to give them a try.  I loved the look of the artist (can't remember her name) who does Sgraffito with slips for wall art.  They are absolutely stunning.  So I thought why not try this with Mayco's Iron Wash.   Good way of experimenting.  Not sure what will happen, may be good, may be not so good.  Hard to say.   So here are a couple of shots when it was leather hard.

Here is a pic of it after the bisque firing. (Not that anyone else would know, but it's upside down!) 

As you can see from the next pics, I have some glazing to do! Then I will be firing up that kiln again. So I'll be updating the results of this experiment as well as a few other tests with washes soon!

Art Show

I just found out today that I am officially accepted into a local juried art show/sale in the fall,   http://www.sylvancircle.ca  This will be my second year, so I am definitely pretty excited to have been accepted.   It was a great experience last year, meeting new people, getting feedback on my work and it was great exposure.  Even though it was a great success, it was definitely gratifying and rewarding to hear what people (other than family and friends) have to say.  We are always hard on ourselves, and the quality of workmanship.  This to me is an ongoing battle since I strive for perfection.  And we all know with pottery, sometimes those imperfections are what people want.  That's what makes art unique, and desirable to people.  Especially to those who appreciate the fact that the work is hand made, not mechanically manufactured... there's a difference!  That difference is what sets us all apart, as individual potters.  

So I've been working on some pieces, getting a good variety of stock ready for the sale.  I haven't been on the wheel for a while, and I definitely missed it.  Here's a couple of pictures of some pieces in progress....

So... enough of the computer for today... I have pots to make! :)

Update on last load...

So here are a few close ups and tests from my last kiln opening.

This is a handbuilt vase with Iron Red on the exterior that was wiped down. So the surface has an unfinished feel to it. Gun Metal Green was brushed close to the rim on the inside. Then Shino was poured in and out of the interior. The rim was dipped in Shino. Lastly Standard Ceramic Creme was brushed along he rim. The vase is pretty tall, close to 18".

The pitcher had Mayco's Black Walnut on the handle and pinched part on top. The rim was brushed with Gun Metal Green. Wax resist was applied on the Black Walnut. Then the whole piece was finished with Shino.

Here is a new combination I tried on a garlic grater. It's Coyote's Key Lime, with Mayco's Black Walnut. I've had Key Lime for awhile and wasn't quite sure about it.... But now I think it's pretty cool! It has a nice result overlapped with the Black Walnut. I will be trying this combo again. It's a nice summer colour, bright and cheerful... Like me! ( just kidding.... Kinda)

Ok... Here is a Test tile.... It is heavenly! Top was dipped in Iron Red, then brushed with Gun Metal Green, then dipped in Creme. Boy it runs, but the movement in colours is to die for! Love it!

Fresh out of the kiln!

Ok.. So some good and some not so good! But here is a quick pic of the load, I'll get into details soon!

Loaded the Kiln

Well... It's that time! I have finally loaded my kiln for a glaze fire. It is firing as we speak. It is funny... No matter how many times you do this... The excitement and anticipation never goes away. It always feels like an eternity waiting to open that lid. So... It will be Christmas in my household tomorrow. Lets hope the kiln gods are leaving me some nice gifts and not coal! I have a few test pieces in there too... Will be posting the results soon!